FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Statement on EHV-1 Cases
Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 19, 2025– Equine Network and the Ariat World Series of Team Roping (WSTR) are closely monitoring the confirmed cases of neurologic equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) associated with recent events in Texas and Oklahoma.
Over the years, many of our events have dealt with outbreaks of EHV-1, EIA, piroplasmosis, and vesicular stomatitis. As a policy, we reserve all statements and comments until state health officials have assessed the outbreaks and decided on a course of action.
On Nov. 19, animal health officials from many states discussed the situation and concluded that their normal protocol of tracking, identification and premise quarantine would remain in effect. There is no current plan to quarantine any state, all though some states have tightened their inspection requirements. State animal health officials mobilized immediately and have identified, notified and quarantined all horses that participated in the Texas and Oklahoma events where the outbreak occurred, and quarantined the premises where these horses now reside. They are monitoring local veterinarians for additional outbreaks and will follow the same protocols should any occur.
While obtaining this guidance has taken additional time, we are pleased to report that, as of now, officially there are no restrictions or additional protocols in place that prevent the Ariat World Series of Team Roping from holding its event at the South Point in Las Vegas. Please review the attached guidance issued this afternoon from the State of Nevada.
Obviously health and safety of our contestants, their horses, and the broader equine community remain our highest priority. There are 16 days remaining until the start of the WSTR Finale. State health officials indicated this should be adequate time for any subsequent cases to surface. We will continue to rely on guidance from recognized state veterinary and agricultural experts rather than information circulating on social media. Ultimately, the final decision on risk will fall to individual owners. We will respect and assist anyone that chooses to withdraw.
"We understand how concerning neurologic EHV-1 is for every horse owner," Ty Yost, WSTR president, said. "We are committed to being transparent, to follow veterinary guidance to the letter, and to providing a safe environment without fueling unnecessary panic or disruption. We will not compromise horse welfare, and we will communicate promptly if any recommendations change."
WSTR will continue to monitor the situation and maintain active communication with state and event veterinarians, facility management, and industry partners to ensure that all protocols reflect the most current guidance. We appreciate the cooperation and engagement from our community during this process and look forward to hosting and seeing you all in a few weeks at the ARIAT WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING.
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Horse owners should take extra precautions against animal disease during event season
While there are no active reports of diseases in Nevada, horses are at increased risk during event season
(CLARK COUNTY, Nev.) – With the upcoming equine event season, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is updating entry requirements and reminding horse owners to practice preventive biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of animal disease, such as Equine Herpesvirus (EHV). While there are no confirmed cases of EHV in Nevada at this time, horse owners are encouraged to remain vigilant as cases increase in surrounding regions. The NDA reminds everyone to check on current entry requirements and comply with those when traveling to and from Nevada.
"Convergence of large numbers of horses at events can increase the risk of disease spread," said NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe. "Horse owners should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their animals during travel and increased animal interaction."
Nevada's entry requirements are being modified ahead of event season to reduce the risk of disease transmission. New requirements include:
- Entry permits are required for horses until Jan. 1, 2026.
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection stating: "No animals presented on this CVI have been on a premise with a confirmed case of EHV-1 within the last 21 days."
- USDA accredited veterinarians can visit agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements to complete an Entry Permit for horses entering Nevada.
"We are not stopping movements at this time," said NDA State Veterinarian Rolfe. "We are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of animal disease."
The NDA recommends biosecurity practices and to always monitor horses for signs of disease, like fever or runny nose. Biosecurity means implementing practices to reduce chances of an infectious disease being transferred by people, animals, equipment or vehicles. EHV and other diseases can be easily transferred on boots, coats, gloves and equipment. Some basic practices include:
- Never share equipment between horses.
- Take your horse's temperature twice daily, especially during and after travel or events.
- Isolate new or returning horses. Quarantine horses for at least 21 days before integrating them into your herd.
- Always start chores with healthy horses, and end with sick or recovering (within 30 days) horses.
- Clean and disinfect stalls, trailers, and equipment thoroughly.
During event season, NDA State Veterinarian Rolfe is also recommending temperature checks twice a day for 21 days to monitor for signs of disease. Other signs of disease to look out for include:
- Fever
- Incoordination, stumbling, weakness or inability to stand
- Difficulty urinating or dribbling urine
- Runny nose or coughing
- Reduced appetite
- Enlarged lymph nodes
For more information or if your horse begins showing signs of illness, contact your local veterinarian immediately. EHV is a reportable disease under Nevada Revised Statue (NRS) 571.160, and veterinarians are required to notify the NDA when cases are diagnosed.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada's agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department's $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture's school and community nutrition programs.
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